Overall Risk of Nipah Outbreak in Pakistan Remains Low
Pakistan has stepped up its preparedness against the Nipah virus after regional alerts, with health authorities stressing that while the overall risk of an outbreak in the country remains low, it cannot be completely ruled out. Representatives of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shared this assessment during a high-level meeting held on Thursday to review preventive and response measures.
The federal government has already directed strict and enhanced health surveillance at all land and air entry points across the country following reports of suspected Nipah virus cases in India’s West Bengal. An advisory issued by the health ministry’s Border Health Services highlighted the virus’s highly lethal nature and its potential for cross-border transmission, prompting authorities to place screening and monitoring systems on high alert.
Director General Health Dr Abdul Wali Khan confirmed that the meeting was convened at the Ministry of National Health Services on the directions of Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. He said the purpose of the session was to review national-level preparedness, evaluate existing response mechanisms and ensure that all relevant institutions were ready to deal with any potential situation.
According to Dr Abdul Wali Khan, NIH officials briefed the participants that the likelihood of a Nipah outbreak in Pakistan was low but could not be entirely eliminated due to the presence of animal reservoirs in the region. He said the forum was informed that Pakistan currently has adequate laboratory capacity and sufficient testing kits to confirm suspected cases, adding that surveillance and diagnostic systems were in place to respond promptly if required.
Health Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Shaikh told the meeting that no Nipah virus cases had been detected in Pakistan so far, either in humans or animals. However, he stressed that ecological conditions in neighbouring countries made it essential for Pakistan to remain vigilant. He added that preparedness measures at the federal level, including disease surveillance systems, Border Health Services and major hospitals in the federal capital, were thoroughly reviewed during the meeting.
Dr Abdul Wali Khan also explained to participants that Nipah is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can spread from animals to humans, with fruit bats and pigs identified as its natural reservoirs. He noted that human outbreaks of the virus have historically been limited to certain parts of Asia, beginning with the first recorded outbreak in Malaysia in 1999.
Officials reiterated that there is currently no proven vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available for Nipah virus infection, making early detection, isolation of suspected cases and strict surveillance the most effective tools for prevention. Authorities maintained that Pakistan’s health system remains on alert and fully prepared, while urging continued caution and awareness in light of regional developments.
